The World Baseball Classic is now headed for its final chapter, pitting Team USA against Team Venezuela for the championship. Even though Nolan McLean is set to start for the Americans, Carlos Mendoza — manager of the New York Mets — didn’t hesitate to pick his native nation to win it all.
“I’m rooting for obviously Venezuela…but with Nolan pitching, I want him to get his pitch count where he needs to be, and then when he comes out of the game for Venezuela to put a rally on,” the manager stated via SNY.
Mendoza is experiencing mixed emotions: one of his players will be the starting pitcher on the mound for Team USA, which fills him with pride, yet he still picks his home country to lift the trophy for the first time in its history.
Venezuela seek glory in WBC final
Since its inception, Venezuela have never won the World Baseball Classic. Their deepest run prior to this year was a third-place finish in 2009, following a loss to South Korea in the semifinals.
Daniel Palencia #29 of Team Venezuela.
After years of falling short—including a heartbreaking quarterfinal exit in 2023—the team has finally broken through in the 2026 tournament.
By defeating the defending champions, Japan, in the quarterfinals and rallying past Italy in the semis, Venezuela have secured their first-ever appearance in a WBC Final.
Mendoza awaits Nolan McLeans’ return
Carlos Mendoza is eagerly awaiting the return of right-handed phenom Nolan McLean to finalize the New York Mets‘ rotation ahead of Opening Day.
After McLean’s late-season surge in 2025—where he posted a 2.06 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP over 48 innings—Mendoza sees him as a centerpiece of the 2026 staff.
Despite some early spring concerns regarding vertigo-like symptoms, McLean proved his health by taking the ball for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
